Government through the efforts of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission, has exceeded the 10 million seedlings target for the 2023 Green Ghana Day, with some 11,530,672 seedlings distributed across the country so far.

This number, however excludes the four regions of the north apart from the Upper West Region.

The CEO of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey disclosed this when he updated the country during a Post Green Ghana Day press briefing, held at the Forestry Commission Head Office, Accra on Wednesday, 14th June, 2023.

Mr. Allotey in his submission explained that the four regions of the north including, the Northern Region, North East Region, Upper East Region and the Savannah Regions, have only done a commemorative planting as they await the rains to engage in the full-blown planting exercise.

The CEO in his in-depth presentation on the initial results of the seedlings distributed, said the Ashanti Region topped the Regional target list with 137% distribution rate which equals to 3,147,306 actual seedlings distributed from an initial target of 2,300,000.

He noted that aside from the Ashanti Region, the Eastern, Western North, Central, Bono, Ahafo, Upper West and Greater Accra Regions also exceeded their targets.

He said, from an initial 50% target purported to be planted in the forest reserves, a total of 61.3% have been planted, and the other 38.7% planted in homes, medians of roads and other locations.

The Forestry Commission CEO mentioned the top five seedlings distributed per demand, naming them as Cashew, Oil Palm, Coconut, Orange and Timber species as examples of the species most requested.

The CEO also welcomed the role of the media in helping to monitor the seedlings planted during Green Ghana Day, adding that all information regarding Green Ghana is available at the District Level of Forestry Commission.

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He applauded some lead private plantation companies and churches who contributed to the success of the project, outlining the Presbyterian Church, the Church of Pentecost, the Apostolic Church, the Catholic Church and the Methodist Church as the five top churches.

He also named Ecoplanet Bamboo West Africa, Form Ghana, Sakam Savana Co. LTD, Global Green Gold among others as examples, while commending the Muslim community, particularly the Chief Imam for their support.

Mr. Allotey also revealed that even with the number planted, there are still more seedlings available at the various pickup centers, and therefore urged all interested parties to visit the nearest Forestry Commission office and get a seedling to plant.

Addressing the media on behalf of the sector minister, Samuel, A. Jinapor, the Deputy Minister responsible for Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio, who doubles as the National Chairman of the 2023 Green Ghana Planning Committee, appreciated the efforts of all Ghanaians and Ghanaians who participated in the Green Ghana Day planting exercise and hoped for continued support for the subsequent years.

He then called for an effective monitoring and supervision of the seedlings planted to fuel the success of the 2023 edition of the government's aggressive afforestation and reforestation programme and the previous editions as well.

The Deputy Minister promised that subsequently, a detailed report of the aftermath of the 2023 Green Ghana Day distribution, will be made available to the public and the media.